ROSELINE Nana has bounced back to defeat her new rival Mofifunoluwa Atilola twice to emerge champion at the just concluded Lagos Schools’ Tennis Championship held inside the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, Lagos.
Roseline, who lost to Mofifunoluwa twice at the FAAN Junior Tennis Championship held last month in Ikeja, stole the show after breathtaking victories in both the Girl’s U-10 and U-14 categories in the tournament sponsored by the Allison & Oluremi Ayida Foundation.
In the other categories, It was a dramatic event as Destiny Okhinaye came back from a set down to defeat Blessing Otu in the Girls U18 final.
The boys 18 finale between Ajao Basit and Taofik Mogaji stunned spectators as it lived out to expectation at the Lord Rumens Centre Court
The duo who are both members of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club boys did not give a breathing space for each other but Ajao’s powerful strokes of the ball came to bear as he emerged the winner.
Also, Onyekachi Ogumjiofor who represented Oyo state at the National Youth Games held last month in Asaba defeated David Edwards in the Boys U-14.
While Michael Osagie had a stroll in the pack against Mohamed Okandeji in the Boys U-10 final.
Elated about the completion of the Championship, Laolu Akerele who spoke on behalf of the sponsors- Allison & Oluremi Ayida Foundation, said the edition fulfilled its purpose of giving young ones the opportunities to showcase themselves.
“This was a really beautiful competition, and you could see how competitive the kids were out there.
“Rose was particularly outstanding, I watched her play against Mofifun and I saw that these young girls have what it takes to compete if they keep getting tournaments like this.
“We are really grateful to be able to put together this tournament and the Foundation is delighted with the outcome and the turnout of people out here today. It was a really good time we had,” he said.
The first grandchild of Allison and Oluremi Ayida, Kome Otobo commended the effort of the participants.
“The feeling in the family right now is that of excitement for what we have been able to put together for these players and to aid their tennis development in our little way,” she said.